My first castings and their PC attempt

[jacobslagle018]

Hey everyone. I did my first casts today with a Lee 120 gr .356 2 cavity mold. I'm happy with the results. I also used a HF ES gun and black powder to lube the rounds. Here is where I have some questions. First the powder didn't cover all of the bullets. Some are still gray around the base. Will this be an issue? I can always reapply the powder. Second question, I used aluminum foil and the bullets stuck to it after curing. Will little flakes that stuck to the bullets harm them in any way?

One other thing I have a question about is making a dummy round. I don't have a sizing die yet so I am almost positive that this is the problem but I want to double check. I plan on sizing these to .357, it just hasn't arrived yet.(No I haven't slugged the barrel but .356 rounds were leaving lead in my barrel). Anyway I prepped some cases and they fit in my LE Wilson case gauge no problem. Loaded the round to 1.115 OAL. These no longer clear the gauge. Is it because they are not sized? Is the gauge only meant for .356? I racked one in my gun and it did eject but scratched some PC off.

Sorry for the long read and if I have some stupid questions, but I can use all the help there is to offer. I have loaded jacketed/plated rounds no issues but this is my first attempt with lead. Below are pics to show if I need more PC and the aluminum bottoms.

[JASON4X4]

You really need to make sure they are covered good before baking. I had some in my 1st batch like that because I had them too close together. I shot them in my glock without any problems. Any flakes left sticking off the side on the bottom edges will be taken off with the sizing die.

[Beagle333]

I agree.... you do need better coverage of them. I use a 3/4" spacing grid on mine and it works great. Any flashing should size right off of there and you can peel any foil that you can get a grip on. Maybe try tweezers or even use a boxcutter blade (or carpet knife blade). Reynolds non-stick foil should not stick to them, except in just a few cases. I do always get 2 or 3 out of 80 that stick a little, but it peels right off. I think some folks even shoot it with the aluminum on there.

If you through this thread, it might give you some good ideas. Lots of different ways to do it are presented here:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...82-Tray-Ideals

[Beetmagnet]

I have tested specifically Pc bullets that were semi exposed around the bases out of two different barrels just see if it would lead and it does. If I get any like that I just set them aside and give them another coat. I will not shoot them as long as any part of the bullet around the bases is showing.

[bangerjim]

You just need to inspect the boolits as you are spraying. Look for ANY lead peeking thru. The black does not flow like the other colors and will not cover up divots. Spacing is key. I use a min of 3/4". Your flow of powder may not be strong enough. It should float/flow out in a gentle yet covering flow. It should not clump out or be light. Bump the jar against your palm as you are spraying to keep the powder "fluidized" and uniform in the jar. Use no more than 2" powder in the jar and keep your pressure 8-15# (depends on your tubing & length).

I used to have boolits end up just like the ones in your picture. Spacing and inspection solved all the problems.

Use NON STICK foil ONLY! The flash will pop off when you put them thru your Lee sizing die. Do not worry about coating the bottoms! If you are shooting sonic+ loads, you should be using GC'd slugs anyway. Remember standard grease lubes do not provide any protection to the bottom anyway. So do not worry about PC on the bottom. Make sure the grease groove tops are coated.

Have fun!

bangerjim

[dverna]

Listen to banger and beagle.

Don Verna

[jacobslagle018]

Just want to thank everyone for the advice. I did this at 11 at night outside so lighting was not great. Ill give the ones that need it another coat today.

As far as sizing goes, will .357 drop in a case gauge or will it be too big? The reason I ask is that the .356 rounds left lead in my barrel and would tumble in flight. I want to size after PC. I just dont know it it would be ok to shoot rounds that dont fit in the gauge because they were made slightly larger , but they still chambe ok. Sorry for the questions and again thank you for the help.

[popper]

shooting sonic+ loads, you should be using GC'd slugs anyway Not absolutely correct. I set the TC on the nose & PCd. No worry about the base or bands. My tests in 40 indicate the bands & base EDGE need be coated.